Youth Participation in Agriculture and Allied Sectors: Empirical Evidence from Rajasthan

Abstract

This study examined the potential and level of youth participation in agriculture. In the Churu district, most youths were primarily involved in crop production. In contrast, in the Sri Ganganagar district, they participated in a wider range of agricultural activities, such as supplying agricultural inputs, providing agri logistics and consulting services. The perceptions held by young people about the agricultural sector significantly affected their involvement in the sector in the Sri Ganganagar district but not in the Churu district. Barriers to effective participation included a lack of funding for starting businesses, low profitability, and personal goals that were not aligned with a career in agriculture. However, it was found that innovative agrivalue chain financing and market networks could enhance productivity and youth participation in the agricultural sector.